Germany and South Africa advocate for renewed US-Iran dialogue following collapsed talks

Germany and South Africa have called for renewed negotiations between the US and Iran to achieve a peaceful resolution, after talks in Pakistan failed over the weekend. Meeting in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the importance of maintaining the fragile ceasefire established on April 6, 2026, warning that renewed conflict would destabilize international security. Wadephul expressed optimism about the ceasefire and urged both sides to continue using this time for negotiations. Lamola stated that Pretoria condemned the US-Israeli attacks on Iran as a violation of international law, just as it had condemned Iran's attacks on its neighbors. He expressed disappointment over the abrupt end to negotiations and reiterated South Africa's belief in diplomacy and its anti-war stance. Lamola also criticized the US announcement to block vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from Iranian ports, calling it unhelpful. The two foreign ministers signed a 15-point plan to upgrade cooperation between their countries to a "strategic partnership." This plan includes Germany increasing its support for South Africa's Just Energy Transition Partnership with a 200 million euro concessional loan and technical cooperation for grid and renewable energy investments. Germany also deepened its science and technology partnership in areas like energy transition, artificial intelligence, quantum research, and cybersecurity